The so-called Tie Guan Yin Tea got its name from a kind of tea tree named Tie Guan Yin (Iron Goddess of Mercy) which is an ideal material for making oolong tea. Grown in the An-xi region of China’s Fujian province, Tie Guan Yin is the world’s most renowned oolong tea. 40% oxidation results in a tightly wound, uniform tea that is very dense, sage green in color and with what appears to be a light glazing of frost. The art of making Tie Guan Yin is quite complicated, particularly as the tea nears completion. It is refired one final time at a very low temperature; at this point the most distinguishing feature of the tea (the light glazing of frost) appears.

Rank 3rd in Ten Famous Teas of China. This tea is so popular in Japan that it almost become the pronoun of the oolong tea.

To Enjoy: Place one teaspoon per cup into an infuser, filter or teapot. Switch the kettle off, before it boils, when you hear the water rumbling. Add the hot, but not boiling, water and infuse for 3 minutes. Serve immediately or remove leaves to prevent spoiling.